Overcoming Writer’s Block

We’ve all had it, that moment when nothing comes to mind.

Our words stare back at us, asking to be fleshed out, continued, fulfilled, and we can do nothing to help them. Our protagonist has gotten herself stuck firmly this time, and is going nowhere fast.

The most important thing about keeping momentum in writing is staying flexible. Sometimes you have to change what happens and add something to the plot you hadn’t foreseen.

Let’s say you introduce a new, secondary character. Who is he, and how does he know your protagonist? Now, as the author, you’ve embarked on a whole new decision tree, if you will, exploring each branch to see which might bear fruit. How exciting!

Of course, a new character means the necessary work of fleshing him out, giving him a viable and plausible life and place in your story. The point is that his new character has opened a door and given you a way forward, if you choose to take it.

Maybe it’s not a new person that your story needs, but a new place. Your protagonist takes a trip. Is it for business, or pleasure? Has she been there before? What happens to her understanding of her situation while she’s away?

...

Tune in to The Official Prose. Blog for the full article by Seattle author Anne Leigh Parrish at: blog.theprose.com/blog.